Cowgirls Tri: A New Year, a New Chance to Help!

Hello everyone! It will be 2014 in just a few short days, and I am so excited about the coming new year!

           And to start this new year, I get to share some really cool news! I have been selected as a 2014 Athleta eSpirit de She Ambassador! That means that for the 2014 race series, I get to share my training tips, news, and progress with thousands of women across the country as we reach our 2014 goals together. In order to be a true ambassador, I have registed for BOTH of the Texas events in the series, and I hope you'll consider at least one of them!

          Here's what's involved. Athleta, in partnership with Lifetime Fitness, debuted the eSpirit de She series last year as a way to encourage women to get out and be active, while participating in a safe, encourageing environment. In the world of endurance sports, things get pretty competitive, and not just with yourself. I have raced in a lot of different types of races, from highly competitive coed events such as the Austin Half Ironman, to really fun, laid back women's events such as the Iron Girl triathlon. While I really enjoy competeing, even if it's just against myself, I can definintely feel the difference in atmosphere between coed events and a women's only series.

          The eSpirit de She series is designed to be competitive enough for serious athletes to get their PR fix, but also welcoming enough that newbies and those who enjoy just getting out with their girlfriends can have a blast as well. There are running, cycling, duathlon, and triathlon events held across the country, and although the offerings may be differnt in every city, they all still feature some great race swag such as:

FREE one-year subscription to SELF magazine ($12 value) - click here for full details

The first 250 registrants will receive a $20 Moxie Cycling gift certificate*

Cycling events receive a super awesome, made-for-women, custom Moxie race jersey, worth over $60! You can see the jersey, as well as other cool swag, featured in this highlight video from last year's race in Austin!

Two complimentary drinks at the signature Bubbly Bar, plus your own GoVino wine glass (21 and over only)

Tasty (and healthy) post-race tapas and treats

Access to our Beauty Bar with complimentary massage, mini manicures and hair braiding

Professional event timing and live results messaging to track and promote your race success

Free regional training clinics, as well as paid access to Designer training from Endurance Training by Life Time

Also, if you participate in one of the races (duathlon or triathlon) you get a really cool finisher's medal, like this one for the Dallas race!

           Two events happen in Texas, the Duathlon in Dallas and the Cycle Tour in Austin. I'll be doing both, and you should do at least one!

       The Austin Cycle Tour: I participated in the inagural event for this last year, and we had a great time! There are several course options available:

Distances (click the links below to download a PDF of the course map)
31 miles
18 miles
14 miles
Cyclepalooza (ages 12 and up)
Would you rather participate on a stationary bike? Join us poolside at Life Time Fitness Austin South as you spin your wheels while a live DJ spins some tunes. The Cyclepalooza tour will begin at 8:30 a.m. Participants will ride for one hour at a pace and level as comfortable or challenging as they prefer. Registration includes the same perks as other tour distances. Space is limited to 55 participants.

        I did the 31 mile course last year, and it was a beauitful trip through the hill country in Southwest Austin. There were lots of different pace groups, so no one felt rushed, but those of us who were in training for other races could still get a good workout in. If you like cycling, and want to meet women who share that excitement, this is a great place to do it- with mimosas when you finish!

         The Dallas Duathlon: This will be a brand new event for me, and I can't wait! The Athleta Espirit de She Dallas Duathlon starts and finishes on the Square in historic downtown McKinney, taking participants on a flat, run-bike-run route through historic boutique-lined streets and peaceful country roads.

Distances
Run 2 miles • Bike 9 miles • Run 2 miles
Run 3.1 miles • Bike 18 miles • Run 3.1 miles
Click here to download a printable course map.
Water and gatorade will be available at all aid stations and at the finish line. There will also be a medical tent located at the finish line.

I'll be doing the longer course, but either distance is great for anyone, even beginners!

I am really excited to get to represent this series and offer my stories as a way to inspire other women looking to get in to endurance sports.

BUT more importantly, getting to blog about this means I get to continue my mission of raising money for the ALS Association through Cowboys Against ALS. Please, if you like what I'm doing here, and have anything, even $1 to spare, please consider giving.

Each dollar goes directly to buying medical equipment for ALS patients who cannot afford it. Take some time to read about this blog, why (and in whos honor) it got started, and consider making a difference in someone's life.